The United States government has approved a significant arms sale to Israel, totaling over $3 billion. This decision comes amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza, where Israel has utilized American-made munitions during its military operations against Hamas. The U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) detailed the components of the sale, which includes $2.04 billion worth of bomb bodies and warheads, $675.7 million in additional bomb bodies and guidance kits, and $295 million for bulldozers and related equipment.
The approval was signed off by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who emphasized that an emergency situation necessitated the immediate sale. This action allowed the transaction to bypass the usual requirement for Congressional approval. The DSCA reiterated the U.S. commitment to Israel’s security, asserting that aiding Israel in maintaining a robust self-defense capability aligns with national security interests.
This latest arms deal follows a previous approval of over $7.4 billion in military supplies, including bombs and missiles, granted earlier this month. The escalated military activity by Israel, characterized by a wide-ranging offensive in Gaza, was launched in response to a surprise attack by Hamas. This conflict has resulted in widespread destruction across Gaza, displacing a major portion of its population. Although a ceasefire has been in place since last month, halting the immediate conflict and facilitating the release of hostages, concerns regarding the humanitarian impact of military actions persist.
Former President Joe Biden’s administration had previously halted the shipment of certain large munitions to Israel over worries about civilian casualties. However, the current administration, under President Donald Trump, has lifted those restrictions, allowing the sale of more substantial ordnance, including 2,000-pound bombs, as part of the recently approved package. This decision reflects a shift in U.S. policy regarding military support for Israel amid its ongoing military operations.
